WASHINGTON, June
7, 2012- More than 185 leaders and rural organizations from across the nation
sent a letter to every U.S. Senator Wednesday expressing support for Federal
investment in rural development in the Farm Bill currently being debated on the
floor of the Senate.

The letter
states that one of the proven job-creating titles of the farm bill is the Rural
Development Title, which authorizes grants and loan programs targeted at
leveraging local initiatives to spur economic growth in small towns and rural
areas.

The letter, signed
by a large coalition of organizations including the National Association of
Counties, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and the National Farmers
Union, states that the Farm Bill “fails to make adequate investment in rural
economic development.”

“If passed as it
now stands, this will be the first farm bill in decades to provide no funding
for small town and rural development. Rural development has already been cut by
one-third since 2003, mostly by the annual appropriations process through which
Congress divides up the budget,” said Center for Rural Affairs Executive
Director Chuck Hassebrook. “But passing a farm bill with no funding for job
creating and community building rural development programs deepens that cut.”

The signatories
also urged more investment in beginning farmer programs. Specifically, the
letter noted that, “The average age of an American agricultural producer today
is 57, and if we let current trends go unchecked, that number will only
increase. Providing training and
technical assistance to the next generation of farmers can help buck the trend
and ensure future food security.”

However,
according to the letter, the Farm Bill passed by the Senate Agriculture
Committee falls far short of maintaining current investment in the training
tools that new and diverse farmers need to succeed.

“We urge you to
provide robust mandatory funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Development Program and Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged
Farmers and Ranchers Program (Section 2501),” the letter concludes.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Governor Martin O’Malley a Democratic candidate for President in 2016. In this interview you’ll hear his views on renewable fuel policy, environmental stewardship, global trade and why he believes leading a state like Maryland uniquely qualifies his bid for the Oval Office.